University of Tennessee Athletics
Reggie White Comes Home
October 15, 2002 | Football
Oct. 1, 2002
It was a time, despite the rain at the Florida game, for Tennessee fans to show their appreciation for Reggie White, the Vols' "Minister of Defense," and his selection to the College Football Hall of Fame. The fans didn't disappoint. Not in the least. It was a magic moment.
Tennessee's "Minister of Defense," Chattanooga native Reggie White (1980-83), came home to the plaudits of the Neyland Stadium crowd before the Florida game Sept. 21. White was honored as Tennessee's 18th inductee to the College Football Hall of Fame. He will be enshrined in December at the College Hall's annual awards dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City Dec. 10.
Bernie Kish of the College Football Hall of Fame made the presentation to Reggie and Reggie, in turn, gave it to Athletics Director Doug Dickey for inclusion in the Hall of Fame Exhibit on campus.
"It's great to be back," Reggie said. "I haven't been back since 1984. This really brings back memories, being here, seeing friends and remembering the fun times.
"College football hasn't necessarily changed. There's a lot more passing today. Back in my day, teams ran the ball a lot more. Today it's more wide open."
White, who earned the moniker "Minister of Defense" for his dominating play on the defensive line at Tennessee, joins split end Terry Beasley of Auburn (1969-71), tailback George "Sonny" Franck of Minnesota (1938-40), running back Cosmo Iacavazzi of Princeton (1962-64), wide receiver John Jefferson of Arizona State (1974-77), safety Ronnie Lott of Southern California (1977-80), quarterback Dan Marino of Pittsburgh (1979-82), running back Napoleon McCallum of Navy (1983-85), offensive guard Reggie McKenzie of Michigan (1969-71), defensive back Randy Rhino of Georgia Tech (1972-74), offensive tackle Jerry Sisemore of Texas (1970-72), linebacker Gary Spani of Kansas State (1974-77) and tight end Kellen Winslow of Missouri (1976-78) on the players' list and coaches Earle Bruce (1972-92 at Tampa, Iowa State, Ohio State, Northern Iowa, and Colorado State) and Carmen Cozza (1965-96 at Yale).
White was captain of the 1983 Volunteer squad and was an All-America and All-SEC selection that season. He was the SEC Player of the Year in 1983 and was the Atlanta Touchdown Club's Player of the Year, the Birmingham Touchdown Club's Most Outstanding Senior and the Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club's Most Outstanding Lineman that season. He holds school records for career sacks with 32 and season sacks with 15 in 1983.
He played professionally for the Memphis Showboats of the USFL (1984-85), the Philadelphia Eagles (1985-92) and the Green Bay Packers (1993-98). He led the Packers to a win in the 1998 Super Bowl.
That victory over New England in the Super Bowl had to be his biggest moment as a pro, he noted. When asked about the offensive linemen who gave him the most trouble during his career, Reggie had a quick answer.
"Jackie Slater," he said, referring to the man-mountain offensive lineman who played for the Rams. "We had some real battles. He always came after me.
"He didn't stop, not at all. There are some offensive linemen that you could take their heart. I couldn't take his heart."
He also mentioned Anthony Munoz of the Bengals, better known across Big Orange Country as the father of Vol offensive tackle Michael Munoz. He said he always respected his ability, although he never got to line up against him because he was in another conference and their paths never crossed during their careers.
It was a great moment to see Reggie White come home to Neyland Stadium and the University of Tennessee. He talked to the team, participated in the "Vol Walk," was on the Vol Network with Bob Kesling and, as we noted, was honored on the field. To Reggie White, we say "Welcome Home." Right where you belong.
Tom Mattingly
